The Trump administration announced plans for undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older to register with the government and provide fingerprints or risk criminal prosecution. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security, aims to encourage illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily, bolstered by threats of mass deportation. Critics express doubt that many will register due to fear of repercussions. The plan, referencing an under-enforced immigration law, specifies that it does not apply to green card holders or those with visas, while parents must register undocumented children under 14. The move signals the administration’s commitment to increasing immigration enforcement.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced its plan to require undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older residing in the U.S. to register and submit their fingerprints to the government, or risk facing criminal charges.
This declaration from the Department of Homeland Security marks a significant intensification of the administration’s attempts to persuade millions of undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily. Officials have frequently urged these individuals to depart, now coupling their message with a veiled threat.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem clearly state their message to those residing here unlawfully: Depart immediately,” stated Tricia McLaughlin, a representative for the department, referencing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “Should you leave now, you might be afforded the chance to return and experience our freedoms and pursue the American dream.”
During an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Secretary Noem indicated that the proposed migrant registry is part of an initiative to “utilize every available resource to fulfill the promises made by President Trump to the American populace.”
Individuals who fail to register could face either criminal or civil repercussions, potentially including fines. However, it is improbable that this new regulation will achieve significant compliance.
Undocumented immigrants are generally reluctant to come forward to register due to warnings of mass deportation issued by Mr. Trump. Additionally, the administration has limited knowledge of the whereabouts of many undocumented individuals, complicating efforts to prosecute those who do not comply.
Nevertheless, this action reflects the Trump administration’s objective to employ all available tools to foster an unwelcoming atmosphere for immigrants, with the intention that they will choose to leave the U.S. voluntarily.
“This indicates a broader initiative to intensify arrests by any possible means, suggesting that this provision might create further justifications for the arrest and deportation of more individuals,” remarked Cris Ramón, a senior immigration adviser for UnidosUS, a civil rights organization. “It also adds to the confusion experienced by undocumented individuals, amplifying the fear that has affected them and their families since late January.”
The new initiative would depend on an existing immigration statute, albeit one that has not been widely enforced. Just prior to the United States’ entry into World War II, a law was enacted requiring undocumented immigrants to register at their local post office.
The department clarified that the registration requirement does not extend to individuals with green cards, those who are already in deportation procedures, or those who entered the U.S. with visas. However, the parents of undocumented immigrants under 14 years of age are obligated to register their children.
This mandate was introduced amid the whirlwind of executive orders on the first day of the Trump administration. The current chief of staff at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Jon Feere, has previously supported the enforcement of registration requirements.